Hong Kong
Many feared that Hong Kong's incredible rise to prominence would be stunted when Great Britain handed control of the island back to China in 1997. In the years since, however, Hong Kong has continued its meteoric rise to become one of the leading economic centers of the Pacific Rim.
This position of strength could hardly have been anticipated. When England gained control of Hong Kong after the 1841 Opium War, the island was regarded as little more than barren rock. In fact, most of its value came from its strategic trading position, for it stood as a perfect entryway to Canton. Hong Kong started to rise slowly, but exploded only after waves of mainland Chinese came to the island, fleeing the Communist Revolution. Many of the refugees included China's elite businessmen, who came to this small island and transformed it into a wealthy economic hub.
Hong Kong's skyscrapers actually take their name literally. Companies continually strive to outdo each other by building huge edifices, seemingly one on top of the other. But if you can escape Hong Kong Island, you will be enchanted by the less developed islands that surround it. A side trip to the island of Lantau will remind you that there is more to Hong Kong than tall buildings and money.
Hong Kong can be easily divided into three main sections. Hong Kong Island measures only thirty square miles, but this is where you will probably spend most, if not all of your time. Each district on the island has a distinct feel to it, with some more focused on fashion and others concerned with economy and industry. Kowloon is the peninsula that lies across the harbor from Hong Kong Island. Finally, the New Territories cover two hundred square miles of mostly pristine, undeveloped territory.
Shanghai
Shanghai is a paradox, both an anachronism and a look towards the future. The Pearl of the Orient has a rich history, replete with multiculturalism and international intrigue. After the Communist takeover, Shanghai hibernated, before beginning to reemerge in the past decade. Since Deng Xiaoping proclaimed Shanghai to be the head of the new Chinese dragon, the city has undergone a complete facelift, with a booming economy that accounts for nearly twenty percent of China's gross national product.
These happy days are reminiscent of Shanghai's past. The city was divided up into small, independent, autonomous concessions, with a British section, a French section, and an American section. While part of Shanghai remained Chinese, many locals chose to interact with the Westerners, and Shanghai became known as the Paris of the East. The Communist Party was born in Shanghai, and after it came to power in 1949, the city closed its doors to the outside world until recently.
Sixteen million people call Shanghai home today. The city is poised to become China's international face of the future, and a construction boom is fueling that feeling. The Pudong New Area is being transformed from farmland into the city's economic center. Shanghai's stock market is found here, along with some of the tallest buildings in the entire world. In just fifteen years, the number of high-rise office buildings has increased tenfold, and that number is still growing. This burgeoning economy has again attracted people from around the world, allowing the old spirit of Shanghai to re-infect people. The city has come full circle.
Nagasaki
The charm and elegance of Nagasaki is much more covert than other Japanese cities. While not an outright tourist town, Nagasaki does remain quite popular because of its grace and beauty. While it is true that Nagasaki is not filled with luxurious resorts, famous museums, and world renowned art galleries, the gardens and parks more than make up for its lack of man-made spectacles. The landscape is gorgeous, and Nagasaki relies on its intrinsic beauty to attract people from all over the globe. This tactic has worked, as cruise ships flock to this exquisite port city, with passengers eager to experience some of the wonder of Nagasaki.
The green hills are magnificent, and Nagasaki has one of the prettiest harbors in the entire world. It is a circular masterpiece, and surrounding it are small, close-knit neighborhoods full of people who are extremely proud and loyal members of the community. Nagasaki is known as one of the safest and most pleasant cities in the country, and the fact that it is culturally diverse makes it all the more interesting. The population here is right around 500,000, and the yearly festivals, great restaurants, and ancient temples combine with the aesthetic brilliance to form a spectacular atmosphere.
In 1571, the harbor of Nagasaki was opened to European ships for trading purposes. Soon after, it became a major port for many Western countries, especially Portugal and the Netherlands. This triggered the Chinese to get into action, and they quickly set up camp along the Nagasaki harbor. This region became a booming trade center in no time, and its fame spread throughout the world. Even during Japan's trade isolation, it was the lone city of Nagasaki that was allowed to continue trading with Western civilizations. This is an important, historic, and wonderful city that demands a visit. The scarring from the tragic World War Two bombing is almost nonexistent, and all that remains are memories, stories, and landmarks that pay tribute to the lost souls. If you look in the right places, you will be delighted by the great shopping facilities that are found throughout the city. Sometimes they may prove difficult to uncover, but half the fun is trying, as Nagasaki is compact and incredibly fun to explore.
Osaka
Osaka is one of the premier vacation spots in Japan. Beautiful and busy, graceful and lively, Osaka has it all. The rich heritage of the region is complemented by the modern feel and splendid architecture. The ancient landmarks are glorious, and you will be treated to marvelous wonders at every turn. The citizens of Osaka have great pride in their hometown, and they should, because it is magnificent. While there are a number of outstanding man-made achievements in Osaka, the best sites are those that combine the thought of man and the brilliance of nature. Two examples of such spots are the Floating Garden Observatory and the Osaka Aquarium, where locals and tourists can see nature in its truest and most exquisite forms.
In addition to the extraordinary intrinsic glory of the region, the Osaka government has really done a terrific job in the last few years of keeping the city clean, pristine, and full of activities. There are a tremendous number of enjoyable engagements to take part in at any given time, especially at night and on the weekends. The businessmen and employed population of Osaka are incredibly hard working, so when they get a little time off they love to party. Great bars, fabulous restaurants, and fun karaoke clubs line the streets in certain areas of Osaka, and a night out is a fun night indeed. During the day, there are spectacular museums and architectural triumphs to hold your attention, and the underground shopping network is extraordinary.
Osaka is located on Honshu's southern coast, and has a fascinating 1500-year history. Heritage is important to all members of Japanese society, and families have an incredibly strong bond within them. Assisting a parent or grandparent in need is always the primary duty of the children. This extravagant city, so full of energy and meaning, is the capital of Osaka Prefecture, and is the third most inhabited city in Japan after Tokyo and Yokohama.
|